Santarcangelo di Romagna and its grottos

santarcangelo_di_romagnaYou will be pleasantly surprised by Santarcangelo di Romagna, a small medieval town with a charming atmosphere, attractive narrow streets, stairways and uphill walking paths, which can be visited via a barrier-free route accessible to anyone.

We will depart from the Triumphal Arch designed in honor of Pope Clemente XIV, under which we will walk to reach Colle Giove (the Hill of Jupiter), where the fortified medieval village is still visible, passing through step-free contrada dei Fabbri.

Along your way of walking you will see the old Fish Market (XIX sec.), where the original San Marino stone counters are still visible, and the Marchi’s Printing Workshop, where you can see a 17th century mangle still used today to iron the traditional rust-printed fabrics and the antique carved pear wood molds used to print the canvas (reservation required).

santarcangelo di romagnaContinuing on contrada dei Fabbri, we will reach Porta Cervese (Cervese gate): the only remaining entrance to the circle of city walls built by the Malatesta family. From Porta Cervese, walking up a steep climb, we will reach piazza delle Monache, where the monastery of the Saints Catherine and Barbara is located.

Walking along the picturesque via dei Signori, we will arrive at the magnificent Malatesta Fortress (note: this stretch of road is slightly steep). All the routes in the old town centre (via Bellaere, via della Zuppa and via della Cella) are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

We will then walk down via della Cella, through Porta del CampanoneVecchio (Bell Tower gate) – note: along the route there are some very low steps – and finally arrive back at piazza delle Monache, the city centre, where we can stop for some shopping.

Santarcangelo city centre is a perfect and safe place for walking, as no motorized vehicles are allowed. For those who love wine, a glass of Sangiovese is an absolute must! In fact, according to legend, the origins of this red wine are precisely in Santarcangelo!

VISIT TO THE GROTTOS

If you have time, I suggest that you visit the mysterious grottos of Santarcangelo, once used to preserve foodstuffs. Its origins, though, are still discussed today, as there is still talk of Etruscan tombs, early Christian caves, sepulchral chapels for the worship of the Indo-Persian god Mithra. The visit lasts about 30 minutes. The grottos are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Tickets: 3.00 euros; reduced 2.5 euros.

VISIT TO THE MARCHI’S PRINTING WORKSHOP

The guided visit at the workshop is carried out by the craftsman (duration: 30 minutes). Booking necessary.

47822 Santarcangelo di Romagna RN, Italia

Italia


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